Carnegie Global Oregon Summer Assignment

After Reading Annie Leonard’s book The Story of Stuff (which can be purchased on Amazon), please respond to the prompts below in about 1.5-2 pages each (typed, double-spaced, with standard font (Times New Roman, Calibri, etc.) and margins (1”)).

1. An ethical issue is an ethically-significant question worth discussing and debating within a given community. Identify at least three ethical issues that you care about in The Story of Stuff. Be sure to state each issue as a question; for example: Should American consumers be more concerned about how the products they buy are made? Briefly explain why each issue matters to you, and how it connects to your life.

2. Choose one ethical issue, problem or theme from The Story of Stuff that you would like to focus on in the year ahead. Share what you know about this issue, problem or theme. Explain why it matters to you, and why you think other people should know about it or spend time thinking about it.

3. After reading Leonard’s book, to what extent do you feel we have the power to address systemic problems like overconsumption, pollution, exploitation of workers and climate change? What level of responsibility do you have (or choose to take) in working to address systemic problems?

4. What ethical issues or problems that were not addressed in The Story of Stuff would you like to address in CGO discussions? Share at least two, and briefly explain why you want to discuss them.    

**This assignment is due on Sept. 15th or earlier. Please email your assignment to scohen@uoregon.edu, lundc@uoregon.edu, & ajoshi@uoregon.edu, with the subject line “CGO Summer Assignment: (your name)”.

Also, be sure to read the 2019-2020 UO Common Reading Book, Under the Feet of Jesus you received at Orientation this summer. For more information, visit UO Common Reading.